(L - R) NOAA Coastal Survey Regional Manager Tim Osborn, Lake Charles MIC Andy Patrick, U.S. Congressman Charles Boustany and Calcasieu Parish Emergency Management Director at hurricane forum in Lake Charles (Photo: WFO Lake Charles)
(June 29, 2012) - At the invitation of Louisiana 7th District Congressman Charles Boustany and his staff, the National Weather Service forecast office in Lake Charles and the NOAA Office of Coast Survey conducted two hurricane forums in June.
The first forum was held on June 11 in Lafayette, and the second on June 25 in Lake Charles. Both events were well-attended by key-decision makers and the public. Their purpose was to discuss the 2012 hurricane season and provide preparedness information.
Lake Charles Meteorologist-in-Charge Andy Patrick discussed the 2012 hurricane outlook, including a review of key National Weather Service products and services designed to communicate hurricane impacts.
Coastal Survey Regional Manager Tim Osborn discussed coastal impacts from storm surge and the economic importance of National Weather Service decision support services during these events.
"The Lafayette and Lake Charles hurricane forums were very important community events that helped convey the message of hurricane preparedness," said Congressman Boustany. "I want to thank the National Weather Service in Lake Charles and NOAA Coastal Survey for helping to ensure these communities are ready for this hurricane season."
Patrick also noted, "Even though many local communities were well-prepared for major hurricanes during the past decade, enhanced National Weather Service products and services; and the addition of social media initiatives, such as Twitter and Facebook, will provide even more information to key-decision makers."
The original forerunner of the National Weather Service was created as part of the U.S. Army Signal Service in 1870 to provide meteorological observations for the benefit of commerce. Twenty years later, the service was transferred to the Department of Agriculture where it remained until becoming part of NOAA in 1970.
The NOAA Office of Coast Survey actually pre-dates the National Weather Service. It was created in 1807 to provide nautical charts that would help the nation with safe shipping, national defense and maritime boundaries.
Today, the office continues to provide navigation products and services that help ensure safe and efficient maritime commerce on America's oceans and coastal waters and in the Great Lakes.
Lake Charles MIC Andy Patrick provides provides update on Tropical Storm Debby at the Lake Charles forum 9Photo: WFO Lake Charles)
